Solo drivers could soon be allowed to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during off-peak hours on Highway 417 in Ottawa’s west end. The Ontario government is proposing a change to the Highway Traffic Act to allow single-occupant vehicles to use HOV lanes on Ontario’s highways during off-peak hours. The province says the change would make “better use of existing highway infrastructure to help reduce gridlock and keep drivers moving on provincial highways.” “Ministry of Transportation modelling shows the change would improve travel times for all users, with average speeds increasing in both HOV and general-purpose lanes across major highways during off-peak hours.” The government says off-peak hours would be determined through an analysis of current traffic data and consultations. The off-peak hours would not include the busiest weekday morning or evening commute periods, according to the province. The HOV lanes on Highway 417 in Ottawa and on other 400 series highways are currently restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants, as well as buses, licensed taxis, green-plate vehicles, airport limousines, motorcycles and emergency vehicles. The fine for improper use of an HOV lane is $110 and three demerit points. “Gridlock is costing our economy billions of dollars every year and robbing Ontario drivers of valuable time and quality of life,” Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation, said in a statement. “By allowing single-occupant vehicles to use HOV lanes during off-peak hours, we would help keep drivers moving across the province, so they can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families and friends.” Ontario will hold public consultations on the proposal. If the Ontario government proceeds with the changes to allow single-occupant vehicles in the HOV lanes, it would be implemented by the end of this year.
